Collaboration enables access to intercity bus connections across multiple providers for the first time using the Amadeus Selling Platform.
BERLIN – Together, Amadeus and Distribusion are facilitating access to intercity bus ticket bookings for travel agencies in the German-speaking markets. Integration into the Amadeus Selling Platform is planned for the third quarter of 2016. Distribusion’s entire portfolio of intercity and shuttle buses currently spans more than 60 bookable providers from all over Europe.
More than 60 providers in one system: Book intercity bus tickets quickly and easily
Through this new collaboration, travel agencies will for the first time be able to draw upon intercity and shuttle bus connections from over 60 providers in more than 25 countries through the Amadeus Selling Platform. To this end, Amadeus is introducing the new “Intercity Bus” tab, through which travel agencies can search for, compare and book intercity bus connections. Booked tickets can be printed right at the travel agency, or can be sent to customers via e-mail. Travel agencies will receive a commission of up to 15 percent for every ticket sold, and will also receive a single comprehensive invoice every month outlining commissions for all providers. Additional integration into mid- and back-office systems is also in the works.
Book intercity and shuttle bus connections to 1.500 destinations in Europe
Distribusion founder Julian Hauck outlines the benefits for travel agencies: “These days, many customers want more than just a flight and a hotel, but rather complete door-to-door travel planning. Intercity and shuttle buses are perfectly suited to round off just this kind of service, whether it’s an airport shuttle, a city bus trip, or an onward journey while on vacation. Buses are an ideal additional business opportunity for travel agencies, and are flexible and versatile thanks to the many direct city-to-city connections available worldwide.”
Over 3.4 million intercity and shuttle bus connections – to 1,500 destinations in more than 25 countries in Europe – can already be booked through Distribusion, including with well-known providers like Postbus, berlinlinienbus.de and National Express. Several new bus providers will follow suit leading up to the launch of the new collaboration in the third quarter of 2016.
“Distribusion and Amadeus have the same goal: we want to make it easier for travellers to reach their destination using the means of transportation of their choice, letting them book it easily and all in one place – at a travel agency, for example,” explains Uta Martens, Head of Sales at Amadeus Germany. “The linking of Distribusion to the Amadeus Selling Platform once again shows the benefits of integrating into our GDS: in one easy step, bus providers gain access to the vast majority of German-speaking travel sales outlets. Travel agencies can sell services from yet another travel segment at their counter, and can immediately profit from the increasing popularity of this expanding market. We are very excited about this collaboration.”
Julian Hauck is also convinced that the two companies can benefit from working together: “This collaboration is a milestone for stationary travel agencies, as well as for the intercity bus market segment. We are very excited to work together with Amadeus to facilitate the sale of bus services around the world. Travellers will also get an additional and attractive option when making travel arrangements.“
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
